Protecting Free Vaccines Act

House Bill

H.R. 5448

119th Congress

Protecting Free Vaccines Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 30, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frank J. Pallone Jr.

Representative

Democratic

NJ-6

Cosponsors

10

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This bill would allow the President to impose sanctions on Chinese officials who help Mexican drug cartels obtain fentanyl, pill presses, or fentanyl precursor chemicals. The goal is to disrupt the flow of these deadly substances from China into Mexico and ultimately into the United States.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would allow the President to impose sanctions on Chinese officials who help Mexican drug cartels obtain fentanyl, pill presses, or fentanyl precursor chemicals. The goal is to disrupt the flow of these deadly substances from China into Mexico and ultimately into the United States.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Countering CCP Fentanyl Trafficking ActThis bill requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on Chinese officials determined to having assisted or approved the transportation of pill presses, fentanyl products, or fentanyl precursors to one or more Mexican drug cartels. The President may waive imposition of sanctions on a case-by-case basis upon determining that a waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Allows the President to impose property and visa sanctions on Chinese officials who assist Mexican drug cartels with fentanyl, pill presses, or fentanyl precursors
The President can waive sanctions on a case-by-case basis if they determine it's in the national interest
Aims to cut off the supply of fentanyl and related substances flowing from China to Mexican cartels and into the United States

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill could impact Chinese officials involved in the fentanyl trade, as well as Mexican drug cartels that rely on Chinese-supplied materials. If enacted, it could disrupt the international supply chain for fentanyl, which has fueled an opioid crisis in the United States. Ordinary Americans struggling with addiction and their loved ones could potentially benefit if the bill succeeds in reducing the availability of these deadly drugs.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5448, 119th Congress (2025). "Protecting Free Vaccines Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5448